Apparatus for distilling water



" (No Model.) w 4 Sheets-Sheet I.

A. J. CHASE.

APPARATUS FOR DISTILLING WATER.

Patented Nov. 27, 1894.

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(No Model.)

A J CHASE APPARATUS FOR DISTILLING WATER.

No. 530,015. Patented Nov. 27, 1894.

(No Model.)

-' 4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

A. J. CHASE. APPARATUS FOR DISTILLING WATER. No. 530,015. Patented NOV. 27,1894.

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(N5 Mod e1.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

A. J. CHASE.

APPARATUS FOR DISTILLING WATER. No, 530,015. Patented Nov. 27, 1894.

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'U'NITE ST TES ANDREW J. CHASE, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

APPARATUS FOR DISTILLING WATER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 530,015, dated November 27, 1894.

Application filed J ly 11,1894. Serial No. 517,222. (No model.)

private families for the distillation of pure,

soft water, from spring, river, pond, sea, or other waters, the product being of crystalline clearness, having a pleasant and delicate flavor, and being Wholly deprived of all the germs from which diseases are produced, as

well as the calcareous, mineral, and other im-.

purities which ordinarily are found in solution even in the clearest springs.

It is a further purpose of my invention to provide a distillation apparatus in which a constant supply of sterilized atmospheric air is mingled with the aqueous vapors, during their formation and condensation, said apparatus being so constructed and organized that it shall be capable of use with gas, or oilstoves, cooking-ranges, or heaters, of any known type. It is my purpose, in other words, to provide a domestic apparatus of the character specified, which shall be portable, of any required capacity, adapted to be heated by any ordinary means, and whereby Water of distillation may be obtained which shall be free from organic and mineral impurities, as well as from bacteria and other germs, which shall be palatable to a marked degree and free from the flat taste which is usually characteristic of the ordinary water of distillation, and well adapted to general consumption. It is my purpose, also, to provide a distillation apparatus which shall be capable of producing pure water and aerating the same with atmospheric ail-which has been sterilized and deprived of bacterial germs, and which replaces the air driven off by vaporization. My invention comprises, also, the provision of a distillation apparatus, in conjunction with means for leaching tea and coifee, especially adapted to the use of hotels, restaurants and similar establishments.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section of Fig. 1.

The invention consists in the several novel features of construction and new combinations of parts hereinafter fully described and then particularly pointed out and defined in the claims which make part of this specification.

To enable others skilled in the art to which my invention pertains to fully understand and tomake, construct, and use the same, I will proceed to describe said invention in detail, reference being bad for this purpose to the accompanying drawings, in which v Figure 1 is a central, vertical section showing one form of a complete apparatus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical section, showing the distillation apparatus in connection with a coffee or tea urn. Fig. 3 is a view in elevation, showing a slight modiiication in construction and arrangement. Fig. 5 is a vertical section showing a modification of the distilling apparatus. tional elevation showing a further modification. Figs. 7 and 8 are elevations showing further slight modifications. Fig. 9 is a de- Fig. 6 is a sectail section showing the heat conductors for the water and steam chamber.

. In the said drawings the reference-numeral lindicates the outer wall of the distillation apparatus, said wall being, preferably, in the form of a vertical cylinder, or drum, its closed upper end being either approximately coni-- cal, as in Fig. 1, slightly convex, as in Fig. 6, or fiat, as in Fig. 7. At, or somewhat above, the middle portion of the cylindrical body 1, is an interior, horizontal diaphragm, or partition 2, (see Fig. 1) having a series of concentric openings 4:, at equal intervals. From these openings rise tubes 5, which extend vertically to, or nearly to, the upper end of the drum 1. These tubes are open at both ends, giving access through the same to the space just below the closed top 6.

The space I the level of the open tops of the tubes. Water is supplied to the space above the horizontal partition 2 by means of a pipe 8, which: discharges near the said partition, its upper ,loo

portion passing through the top of the drum:

and having a funnel 9. Water may be supplied from any source, either continuously, or from time to time. An overflow-pipe 10 extends from the opening 7 to a point near the lower end of the drum 1. The lower end of -the drum is provided with a water-and steamchamber 12, the top of which is closed by a horizontal partition 13, having a central opening 14. From said opening a cylinder rises to a point somewhat below the horizontal partition 2. The annular space between the cylinder 15 and the wall of the drum 1 constitutes a water-chamber 16, which is provided with a faucet 17.

Between the top and bottom of the water and steam-chamber 12, upon the outside wall of the latter is a semicircular, or segmental cup 18, communicating with the chamber 12 by one or more openings 19. Through said cup passes a horizontal over-flow pipe 20, having an open nipple 21 risingin its interior to, or nearly to, the axial line of the pipe. This nipple opens into the cup 18. At the end lying in the chamber 12, the pipe has an elbow and a vertical pipe 22 rises in the central line of the cylinder 15, its open upper end lying at or near the top of the latter. The outer end of the horizontal pipe 20 projects somewhat from the outer face of the cup, 18, and its extremity is provided with a wall 23, which partly closes it, said wall rising from the lower side to a point above the center. The open end of the pipe 20 lies in a cylinder 32, having a fine strainer over its top to permit the air to pass and remove fine impurities floating therein. The cup 18 is arranged beneath the lower end of the overflowpipe 10. I may place a steam coil 29 in the bottom of the chamber 12, and may also extend the cylindrical wall of thedrum 1 downward far enough below the bottom of the said chamber to form a chamber 30, adapted to serve as a fire-box for any suitable form of gas burner. When a gas burneris used, heat-conductors 27, are usually placed in the bottom of the chamber, with pendants 28, passing through the bottom, as seen in Fig. 9. I may, also, form a central opening 3, as in Fig. 2, and insert a central tube 5. The cold-water supply-pipe 8 may extend downward, from the level at which it discharges, and its end is connected to a hose, or other pipe, a cook 31 being provided to arrest and regulate the supply. I may provide the discharge end of the overfiow-pipe 20 with a terminal 24 having a line strainer or screen 26 on the downwardly turned end 25, as shown in Fig. 2, to prevent the entrance of impurities. Strainers 34: are stretched over the open tops of the cylinders 5, to arrest the steam and vapor, while the volatile gases and heat pass more readily through the strainers and escape through an opening 35, in the top.

The interior construction of the apparatus is subject to some modification. For example, I have shown in Fig. 5, a construction by which an annular reservoir 36 is formed,

by means of an interior, cylindrical, concenric wall 37, which extends from the top of the water chamber 12 to a point not far from the upper end of the cylindrical bod y l. The upper end of the interior wall 37 unites with the upper edge of an inner, concentric wall 38, which extends downward, with a uniform inclination inward, or toward the vertical axis' of the cylinder. This wall 38 extends downward, with an inward inclination, as described, to a point a little above the plane of the lower end of the annular reservoir Said inner wall 38 is circular, and has, therefore, in external appearance, the form of an inverted, truncated cone. Concentric therewith, and arranged within said Wall 38, is a wall 40, having approximately the form of an upright, truncated cone, the edge of said wall being united, at its base, to the lower edge of the wall 38, which surrounds it. The truncated upper end of the wall 40 is substantially in the same horizontal plane with the upper edge of the wall 38, and is provided with a substantially cylindrical extension 41, the upper, open end of which lies some little distance above the normal water-level of the reservoir. Free communication is provided between the upper portion of the circular chamber inclosed by the walls 37 and 38, and the cylindrical extension 41, by means of a plurality of inclined passages 42. It will be seen that the construction described affords a large condensing surface as well as a free and unobstructed passage for the watery vapors and steam arising from the lower portion of the apparatus. A circular chamber, or trough 44, formed by means of an annular, inclined plate 45, the outer edge of which meets or unites with, the inner cylindrical face of the wall 1, at a point above the normal water-level of the upper reservoir, may be provided, if desired, (Fig. 5,) to catch any condensation in the top of the drum. The accumulation thus formed is carried oft by a small waste-pi pe 4.6, which conducts it to any suitable point.

In Fig. 2 I have shown a slightly modified form of apparatus,suitable for use in connection with any ordinary type of gas, or oil stove. I may leave the air-inlet and waste-water outlet pipe 20 centrally downward, and allow it to emerge through the base of the stove.

Below the annular reservoir 36 is the water and steam chamber 12, which is provided with a plurality of depending legs 43, Fig. 5, for the purpose of increasing the surface-area exposed to the heat. These legs depend into a chamber 44, which is inclosed by the lower portion of the structure, which is preferably though not necessarily, of slightly diminishing diameter, from above downward.

The invention is operated in the following manner: Feed water is supplied to the upper reservoir by the pipe 8, which extends downward, and discharges at, or near, the bottom of the reservoir. The feed-waterpipe is supplied from any suitable source, and is intended to afford a continuous, uniform, but

limited supply of cold water to the upperreservoir. A continuous over-flow of substantially equal volume is thereby caused, and is carried away by the over-flow pipe 10, the upper end of which enters the outer wall at, or about, the normal water-level. Thence said pipe extends downward along the outer wall, its lower end terminating at or near the bottom of the annular reservoir 6and discharging into the cup 18, formed or mounted upon the exterior of the chamber 12, and communicatingwith the latter. As the over-flow from the upper reservoir is produced by the introduction of cool water at its bottom by the feed-water pipe 8, the water discharged through the over flow pipe 10 will be the hottest contained in said reservoir, as it will be takenwholly from the surface. The distilled water condenses upon the interior surfaces of the tubes 5,and flows therefrom, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 2. The Water of condensation which is caught in the annular chamber 16, is drawn for use by the faucet 17. In the modified form shown in Fig. 5 the condensation is received upon a drip-plate 39, united to the inner face of the drum. This plate is annular and has an inclination which carries the water to a pipe 39. The overflow from the water and steam chamber 12, takes place through the horizontal overflow pipe 20, which is always partly filled with hot water entering through the open nipple 21. The Waste water passes 0E through the terminal 24, and branch 25, while a currentof air passes in the opposite direction.. The air, so entering, meets the hot water and steam which are escaping, and the in flowing current of air is thus sterilized, the microscopic germs which it contains being destroyed by the heat. After traversing the pipes 20 and 22, it mingles with the vapor of water and combines with it thus producing pure aerated water.

In some cases, it is preferable to utilize the upper chamber47, of the distilling apparatus,

as a steam-cooking chamber. In this event I may provide any suitable form of support to receive the bread-pan, or other cookingvessel employed; as, for example, that shown in Fig. 5. The form and construction of these devices may be varied, however, to suit individual preference, or according to the circum stances and necessities of each case. When said chamber is utilized for this purpose, the top of the reservoir will, of course, be rendered removable in order to afiord access to the interior. I prefer. in this form of apparatus, to mount a hood 37 Fig. 7 upon the vertical pipe 22 at a point above the normal water-level in the chamber 12, said hood having, externally, the form of a truncated, right cone, and its base,or lower edge, being brought quite close to the surface of the water in the chamber 12. The diameter of the hood at its base, is greater than that of the central opening in the drip-plate 39, the purpose of this hood being to aid in maintaining amore nearly uniform temperature in the water containedin the chamber 12, and to preserve a constant maximum temperature at and around the pipe 22, whereby the air entering shall be subjected to a temperature sufficient to sterilize every portion. This hood, moreover, in conjunction with the over-hanging drip-plate 39, serves to confine the heat, in a measure, and to prevent too rapid evaporation whereby the water in the chamber 12 might possibly be cooled suddenly to so low a point as to prevent the proper sterilization of the air entering through the pipes 20 and 22. For use in restaurants, hotels, and similar establishments, as well as in families,I have provided an apparatus whereby tea and coffee can be prepared withoutboiling, an ampie supply of absolutely pure water being constantly on hand for this purpose.

' The distilling apparatus, which is shown in Figs. 2 and 3, does not differ materially, in its interior construction and arrangement, from that already described and shown in Fig. 1. The drum 1, is placed upon a base 48, which is extended sufficiently to provide support for a coffee, or tea-urn 49, standing beside, or directly in rear, of the drum 1. The base 48 may form part of the gas,or oil burner 'of any approved pattern. The coffee-urn, or

' tea-urn 49, is preferably of the class used in leaching, and receives sufficient heat to preserve its contents at a suitable temperature.

For family use a smaller urn may be used. In both, the base 48 may form the water and steam-chamber 12, which will therefore extend under the urn 49, the steam generated serving to maintain the temperature of the contents just below the boiling point. This extension of the water-chamber enables me to generate large quantities of steam and vapor and obtain pure, condensed water in considerable quantities in a comparatively short time.

What I claim is- 1. In a water distillation apparatus, the combination with a water and steam chamber of a pipe carrying off the surplus hot water and admitting air, said pipe entering at the normal Water level and provided with an out.- let opening for the waste hot water, which also serves as an inlet for air, which enters at the external end of the pipe at the point where the waste hot water is discharged, whereby said air is sterilized, substantially as described.

2. In a waterdistillation apparatus, the combination with a water and steam chamber and with condensing surfaces arranged above the same, of a hot water outlet and air-inlet pipe receiving the entering air and discharging the waste water at its external end, whereby the air is sterilized, substantially as described.

3. In a water-distillation apparatus, the combination with an upper supplying reservoir, the walls of which form interior condensing surfaces, of a lower water and steam chamber, an air-inlet and hot water outlet pipe, entering said chamber from without and having a partial submergence, its inner end provided with an air opening and an opening for thewaste hot water and its outer end having a strainer through which the hot waste water escapes and external air enters, a feedwaler pipeentering the upper reservoir, and an over-flow pipe discharging the excess of water from the upper reservoir to the lower, substantially as described.

4. In a water-distillation apparatus, an upper cold water chamber having passages therethrough, a lower water and steam chamber, means for feeding water in suitable quantities to the upper chamber and supplying it therefrom to the lower chamber, a steam cooking chamber arranged above the upper chamher, and a hot water outlet and air inlet pipe entering the water and steam-chamber for introducing sterilized air within the space between the upper and lower chambers, subslantially as described.

5. In a water-distillation apparatus, the combination with an upper chamber provided with means whereby water may be suitably supplied thereto, of a lower water and steam chamber, an air-inlet and waste Water outletpipe, entering the lower chamber horizontally and provided with a strainer upon its outer end and at its inner end with a vertical branch and with an open nipple for the wastewater, an overflow pipe carrying the surplus water from the upper to the lower chamber, and a receptacle for the water of condensation between the said chambers, substantially as described.

6. In a water-distillation apparatus, the combination with an upper cold water chamber, of a feed-water pipe supplying the lower interior portion of the upper chamber, alower water and steam chamber having a cup on its outer face communicating with the chamber, an over-flow pipe carrying the surplus water from the upper chamber to said cup, an air inlet and hot water outlet traversing the cup, and entering the lower reservoir and having a strainer upon its outer end, a steam cooking chamber above the upper reservoir, and a chamber for the water of condensation between the upper and lower chambers, substantially as described.

7. In a water-distillation apparatus, the combination with awater steam chamber and with condensing surfaces above it, of means for maintaining a substantially uniform water-level in said chamber, an air inlet and hot water outlet pipe, having an external end provided with a strainer, said pipe passing through the water and steam chamber and through a cup on the wall of said chamber and discharging the entering air above the water-level, and a chamber for the water of condensation between the upper and lower chambers, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and aifixed my seal in presence of two subscribing witnesses. 4

ANDREW J. CHASE. [n s.]

Witnesses:

J. B. HARLOW, JOSEPH GODDARD. 

